Douala to Yaoundé: by road, by train or with a driver
Updated on 23 October 2026 · 6 min read
Douala and Yaoundé are about 240 to 260 km apart. By road the journey usually takes 3½ to 5 hours, depending on traffic leaving the cities and on the trucks along the way. You can drive with a driver, take a coach, or take the Camrail express train. Here is how to choose.
The options at a glance
| Option | Time | Price (indicative) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car or van with driver | 3½ to 5 h | Day rate for the vehicle, fuel extra | Families, luggage, a door-to-door trip, stops on the way |
| Express train (Camrail) | About 4 h 45 on the timetable | About 6,000 FCFA (premium) and 10,000 FCFA (1st class) in early 2026 | Travelling light, a calm and safe ride |
| Coach (bus agencies) | 4 to 5 h | A few thousand FCFA; VIP seats cost more | A tight budget |
By road: what to expect
The road runs through Edéa and is busy with heavy trucks. Allow extra time to get out of Douala and into Yaoundé at rush hour. Leave in the morning and arrive in daylight. With a driver you can stop when you want, carry all your luggage and go straight from one front door to the other, or from an airport to your apartment in the other city.
By train: the Camrail express
Camrail runs an express train between Douala (Bessengué station) and Yaoundé, with air-conditioned premium and first-class cars, as well as slower ordinary trains. In early 2026 the express left Douala in the morning and took about 4 hours 45 minutes. Tickets are sold at the station and online on the Camrail site, about a week ahead. Timetables change: always check on camrail.cm before you plan around a train.
Arriving by train
Stations are busy when the train comes in. If you have luggage, book a pickup at the station: your driver waits for you at the exit.
By coach
Several bus agencies run between Douala and Yaoundé all day, with ordinary and VIP seats. It is the cheapest way to travel, but departures leave when the bus is full, luggage space is limited, and you still need a taxi at each end.
Landing in one city, staying in the other
It is common to find a cheaper flight to Douala while your business or family is in Yaoundé, or the reverse. After a night flight, the simplest is often a night in the city where you land and the road the next morning. Our drivers can also meet you at the airport and take you straight to the other city. See arriving at Douala and arriving at Yaoundé-Nsimalen.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive from Douala to Yaoundé?
Usually 3½ to 5 hours for about 240 to 260 km, depending on traffic leaving the cities and on the trucks along the road.
Is there a train between Douala and Yaoundé?
Yes. Camrail runs an express train with premium and first-class cars, and slower ordinary trains. Check the current timetable on camrail.cm.
How much is the train from Douala to Yaoundé?
In early 2026 the express cost about 6,000 FCFA in premium and 10,000 FCFA in first class. Prices can change: check with Camrail.
Can a driver pick me up at Douala airport and take me to Yaoundé?
Yes. A car or van with driver can meet you at the airport and drive you straight to Yaoundé, or the reverse.